Director, Project Rebound

Join Our Team as the Director of Project Rebound!

At San Diego State University (SDSU), we believe in the transformative power of education and in creating pathways of opportunity for all students, especially those who have been historically excluded from higher education. Project Rebound embodies this mission by supporting formerly incarcerated and justice-impacted students as they pursue their academic and personal goals.

We are seeking an inspiring, student-centered leader to serve as the Director of Project Rebound, guiding a program that changes lives, strengthens communities, and advances SDSU’s deep commitment to equity, inclusion, and social justice.

Reporting to the Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs and Campus Diversity, the Director provides strategic leadership, vision, and advocacy for a growing program that plays a critical role in supporting access, retention, and graduation for justice-impacted scholars. This position is a visible, trusted leader who collaborates across the university and throughout the region to reduce barriers, expand opportunities, and uplift the success stories of Project Rebound students.

As the Director of Project Rebound, you will:

• Lead Project Rebound’s mission, vision, and strategic direction, ensuring the program remains a model across the CSU system.
• Oversee day-to-day operations, staffing, budgeting, assessment, and resource management to support a thriving and sustainable program.
• Design and deliver high-impact programming—including academic success initiatives, leadership development, and community-building opportunities—that help students navigate the transition to SDSU and achieve their goals.
• Champion equity and justice by addressing barriers such as housing insecurity, stigma, limited access to services, and structural inequities affecting justice-impacted students.
• Lead the Project Rebound Housing Initiative to provide stable, supportive housing pathways for students facing housing insecurity.
• Collaborate across Student Affairs, Academic Affairs, and campus partners to strengthen retention, academic advising, and student support services tailored to Project Rebound students.
• Build and nurture partnerships with community organizations, justice-focused agencies, and statewide networks to expand opportunities and strengthen support systems.
• Represent SDSU and Project Rebound in community, advocacy, and government-facing spaces, helping to elevate the excellence, resilience, and leadership of justice-impacted students.
• Mentor and supervise professional and student staff who are committed to empowering students and building pathways to educational justice.

This role is both strategic and hands-on, requiring a leader who can build systems, inspire community, navigate complex and sensitive issues, and respond with compassion and clarity. The Director of Project Rebound must embody SDSU’s values of care, inclusion, and belonging while championing the brilliance and potential of justice-impacted students.

Why you’ll love working here:
San Diego State University is a destination workplace where innovation, equity, and community impact are at the heart of everything we do. As one of the most diverse universities in the nation, SDSU is deeply committed to fostering an environment where all students and employees can thrive. At SDSU, you’ll find:

A Mission That Matters: Your work directly contributes to transforming the lives of justice-impacted students and advancing educational equity.

A Supportive, Values-Driven Community: SDSU’s Division of Student Affairs and Campus Diversity actively works to eliminate systemic inequities and promote inclusion, belonging, and student success.

Opportunities for Growth: With ongoing professional development, cross-divisional partnerships, and leadership opportunities, staff are encouraged to grow their careers and contribute to institutional change.

A Vibrant Campus in a Dynamic Region: Located in one of the most diverse and innovative regions in the country, SDSU is deeply connected to San Diego’s community organizations, public agencies, and justice-focused partners.

Joining Project Rebound means becoming part of a powerful movement working to break cycles of incarceration, expand access to higher education, and uplift the brilliance and potential of justice-impacted students.

Position Information

• This is a full-time, at-will role, offering comprehensive benefits.
• Position is designated exempt under FLSA and is not eligible for overtime compensation.